Ranneme Abu Hajar
Doha, Qatar: In a competitive field of nearly 1,000 applicants, Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) student Ranneme Abu Hajar (SFS’26) has distinguished herself as one of the 15 Rangel Scholars for 2024.
This prestigious honour, awarded by the US State Department and Howard University’s Charles B. Rangel Summer Enrichment Programme, underscores her dedication to public service and international diplomacy.
Ranneme’s passion for international affairs began at a young age, shaped by witnessing the devastation of war and famine in countries like Syria and Yemen. She first discovered the Rangel programme while searching for US Diplomat preparation programs before acceptance at GU-Q. “I was attending community college and dreaming of a career where I could amplify Muslim and Arab American voices in American foreign policy discussions,” she recalls. “I became interested after reading about alumni stories on the programme website.” This commitment deepened when she came to GU-Q, where she cherishes the “privilege of conversing with peers and faculty from all over the globe.”
She credits her professors at GU-Q for their unwavering support through the rigorous selection process, which required a personal statement and several essays. Ranneme, a Palestinian-American, impressed the committee with her determination to address global issues through her bicultural perspective. “I drew inspiration from people experiencing the hardships of displacement and conflict,” she says, especially her grandparents, who were refugees during the 1948 Nakba.
During her summer at Howard University, Ranneme will study Political Economy and the History of US Foreign Relations, focusing on US involvement in the Middle East. “I’m excited to join a community of aspiring U.S. diplomats,” she shared. The program offers invaluable networking opportunities, including panel discussions and visits to key institutions like Congress, USAID, and the US State Department. “These experiences will allow me to engage with experts in a more intimate setting, building stronger connections,” she added.
Throughout the program, she will also participate in various simulations with the US State Department involving crisis management, peacebuilding, and migration. Additionally, Ranneme will gain insights into NATO’s current security and military challenges and priorities within the Euro-Atlantic region at the 2024 NATO Washington Summit Public Forum.
Looking ahead, Ranneme aims to leverage the Rangel programme’s opportunities to advance her studies and career in international affairs. She encourages her fellow students to be proactive in networking and seizing opportunities. “Planning ahead and staying informed on the current foreign policy priorities within the US government is crucial,” she advises.
